"Suffers with" is a common phrase used to describe someone who is experiencing pain or hardship. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with "suffers" pronounced /ˈsʌfərz/ and "with" pronounced /wɪð/. The "ff" in "suffers" represents the /f/ sound, while the "th" in "with" is pronounced as /ð/. Together, these words convey empathy towards someone who is struggling and serves as a reminder to offer support in times of need.
The term "suffers with" refers to experiencing or enduring hardship, difficulties, pain, or adversity in conjunction with someone or something else. This phrase commonly denotes empathetic or shared suffering, showing support or solidarity with a person or a cause. It implies a deep understanding and compassion towards the struggles faced by another individual or group.
When used in the context of personal relationships, "suffers with" emphasizes the emotional connection between two or more people. It implies that one person is willingly accompanying and supporting another individual through their pain or challenges. This phrase portrays a sense of empathy, indicating a willingness to share burdens and stand by someone during their difficult times.
In a broader sense, "suffers with" can also be employed to express sympathy towards a particular cause or predicament. It conveys the idea of collectively experiencing and understanding the struggles faced by a marginalized group, societal issue, or global crisis. This term often appears in discussions highlighting the desire for change or addressing the need for support and advocacy in order to alleviate suffering.
Overall, "suffers with" signifies a connection forged through shared adversity, suggesting a heightened level of understanding, support, and compassion towards someone or something experiencing hardship.
The phrase "suffers with" does not have a specific etymology of its own since it is composed of two separate words that have their respective origins. Let's break it down:
1. Suffers: The word "suffer" comes from the Latin word "sufferre", which means "to bear, endure, or undergo". It entered English in the 13th century, borrowing directly from the Old French word "soufrir". Ultimately, the Latin word can be traced back to the combination of the prefix "sub-" (meaning "under") and the verb "ferre" (meaning "to bear").
2. With: The preposition "with" has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*wiðra". It can be related to "against" or "opposite" and has been used in English in various contexts, including indicating companionship or participation.